“Everyone deserves not just to survive, but to live,” were the powerful words Steve McQueen said as he accepted the Oscar for best picture for his film “12 Years a Slave.”

The director dedicated the award to anyone who has endured slavery and the 21 million people he said who are still dealing with it today.

McQueen could barely contain his excitement as he jumped up and down on stage after his speech.

“Sometimes our emotions and physicality takes over. You know, Van Halen,” McQueen said of his jumping on stage.

The film beat “Dallas Buyers Club” and “Gravity,” which were also considered front runners in the category.

Lupita Nyong’o won best supporting actress for her portrayal as Patsey in the film. In her acceptance speech, Nyong’o gave the director her highest regards.

“Steve McQueen, you charge everything you fashion with a breath of your own spirit. Thank you so much for putting me in this position,” she said. “This has been the joy of my life. I’m certain that the dead are standing about you and watching and they are grateful and so am I.”

The win made history; it is the first best picture winner by a black director. The film’s screenwriter, John Ridley, became only the second black person to win an Oscar for best adapted screenplay.

“At the end of the day, we just hope this film remains a gentle reminder that we are all equal,” said Brad Pitt, a producer of the film.